Windows Mixed Reality PC hardware guidelines

Content provided by Microsoft

Applies to: Windows 10

Select Product Version

The best way to experience Windows Mixed Reality is with a new Windows Mixed Reality-ready PC. To see if your current PC will run Windows Mixed Reality, take a look at these hardware guidelines, or run the Windows Mixed Reality PC Check app. Keep in mind that performance and features may vary depending on your exact setup.

*Some headsets have built-in Bluetooth. In this case, Bluetooth 4.0 is not required on the PC.

Bluetooth 4.0

Bluetooth 4.0

Notes

Larger laptops (with screens of at least 15”) perform best.

For the best experience, we recommend an 8th Gen Intel® Core™ or 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor.

Hybrid graphics configurations are compatible only with Windows Mixed Reality Ultra. The discrete graphics adapter in any hybrid configuration must meet all the requirements listed in the Windows Mixed Reality guidelines for discrete graphics adapters.

If you have a discrete graphics card that should run Windows Mixed Reality Ultra, but it's defaulting to a 60 Hz (60 frames per second) refresh rate, use a full-size DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 adapter to plug in your headset and enable a 90 Hz refresh rate.

Ports and adapters

Different headsets may require different hardware ports, so make sure your PC has the correct ports to connect to your headset. If it doesn't, you can use one or more adapters to connect the headset. Some adapters may also require the addition of a coupler in order to connect to your PC and/or the headset cable.

Note: Microsoft does not manufacture, test, certify, or guarantee the functionality, reliability or quality of any adapter. For any questions, concerns, or issues with any adapter, you should contact the seller or manufacturer of your adapter.

Bluetooth

Depending on your headset, you may need Bluetooth 4.0 in order to use motion controllers. Some headsets have built-in Bluetooth and can connect directly to controllers. If you're using a headset without built-in Bluetooth and your PC doesn't support Bluetooth 4.0, you can use an adapter, plugged into a USB 2.0 port on the PC.

Surface info

The configurations of Surface Pro, Surface Book 2, and Surface Studio detailed in the chart below support Windows Mixed Reality. Before you set up mixed reality on your Surface device, be sure to check for software updates. Select Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates.

Surface model

Required adapter

Refresh rate

Notes

Surface Pro (2017)

HDMI 2.0 to Surface Mini DisplayPort

60 Hz

Only models with Intel 7th Gen Core i5 or i7 processor and at least 8 GB of RAM are supported.

Set the PC's power mode to best performance: On the Windows taskbar, select Battery. Then move the slider to Best performance.

Models with an integrated GPU only: Set the PC's power mode to best performance: On the Windows taskbar, select Battery. Then move the slider to Best performance.

Surface Studio

HDMI 2.0 to Surface Mini DisplayPort

Models with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965m GPU: 60 Hz

Models with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980m GPU: 90 Hz

Connect the mixed reality headset to the USB port with a "+" symbol.

Important

Discrete and integrated graphics hardware that doesn’t meet the minimum confirmed specifications has not been tested, confirmed, or optimized for Windows Mixed Reality and may not function properly or at all.

We’ll be updating and revising these guidelines. Check back for the latest.